Component based system and assembly for flexible geometric and non-geometric structures

ABSTRACT

An assembly structured to form a customizable structure, having variably configured geometric characteristics, which includes a plurality of hubs each having an interior chamber and a plurality of housings. Each housing includes an open-ended interior channel communicating with the interior chamber of a common hub. Each of a plurality of elastic links is retained within and extend outwardly from a different one of said interior channels. At least one elastic link may be disposed in interconnecting relation between two attached ones of the plurality of hubs and a predetermined number of a plurality of attached hubs may be interconnected to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured structures.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Patent having Ser.No. 17/165,233, which was filed on Feb. 2, 2021, which in turn is aContinuation in Part of U.S. Patent having Ser. No. 15/696,915, whichwas filed on Sep. 6, 2017, and matured into U.S. Pat. No. 10,905,967 onFeb. 2, 2021, which in turn is based on and a claim of priority is madeunder 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application thatis currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely,that having Ser. No. 62/384,289 and a filing date of Sep. 7, 2016, allapplications which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an assembly structured to form anyone of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured,flexible, geometric or non-geometric structures through theinterconnection of a plurality of component hubs to one another into aclosed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of theclosed, continuously configured array of hubs may be interconnected todefine a selected one of the possible plurality of the customizablevariably configured structures.

Description of the Related Art

Different fields of art include products, devices, materials, etc. whichare intended to be variably structured to form a variety of differentlyconfigured and dimensioned objects. Such different fields of artinclude, but are not limited to, jewelry, sculpture, fashion, industrialdesign, architecture, structural engineering, nano-engineering,aerospace and the medical field. By way of example only jewelry pieceshave a tendency to be rigid and thereby are not well adapted to conformto various body portions of the wearer, wherein such jewelry pieces mayinclude bracelets, necklaces, etc. Such rigidity or lack of adaptabilitymay result in discomfort to the wearer as well as an increase in thepossibility of damage to or breakage of the jewelry pieces.

In order to overcome problems and disadvantages of the type set forthabove, not only in the jewelry art but in other fields of endeavor aswell there is a need for a component-based assembly and/or system forthe making of different flexible structures, wherein such preferred andproposed structures may be formed into any one of a possible pluralityof customizable, variable configurations. As such, a proposed andpreferred assembly and/or system of this type would facilitate theproduction and/or formation of different products, devices, goods, etc.in different fields of art which could assume a predetermined orpreferred configuration while being sufficiently flexible and/orresilient to conform or adapt, in shape, size, or other geometriccharacteristics to any other object, device, structure, etc., with whichit is intended to be used.

Moreover, a preferred and proposed assembly and/or system couldincorporate the use of a plurality of hub components each cooperativelystructured with the other to be interconnected to one another,individually or in interconnected arrays, by means of elastic flexiblelinks. The use of such interconnecting, elastic and flexible links, incombination with the cooperatively structured plurality of hubs, wouldsignificantly enhance versatility of a resulting structure by allowing avariance in the geometric characteristics thereof including, but notlimited to, size, shape, curvature, surface configuration, flexibility,elasticity, adaptability, etc., of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly and/or systemstructured to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable,variably configured structures capable of defining a variety ofdifferent objects, devices and/or goods such as, but not limited to,jewelry pieces or other different fields of art. The customizable,variably configured structures comprise a plurality of interconnectedhub components cooperatively structured with and interconnected by aplurality of elastic links.

More specifically, in one or more embodiments, at least one but morepractically a plurality of the hub components or “hubs” each include aninterior chamber and a plurality of housings. The housings may vary innumber and extend radially outward from a base or body of a common hub,which may be at least partially defined by interconnected inner ends ofassociated ones of the plurality of housings. Accordingly, the hubs areat least partially defined by the corresponding plurality of housingseach having their inner or proximal ends fixedly connected to oneanother in adjacent and/or contiguous relation.

Further, each of the housings include an interior channel which includesoppositely disposed open ends. An open inner end of each of theplurality of interior channels of the housings of a common hub aredisposed in direct communicating relation with the interior chamberthereof. As described in greater detail hereinafter, a connectorstructure may be disposed on each of the plurality of hubs, at leastpartially within the interior chamber.

In addition, a plurality of elastic links are associated with each ofthe plurality of hubs and for a given hub, are equal in number to thenumber of housings associated with that hub. Further, each of theplurality of elastic links includes opposite ends and are disposed andretained within a different one of the interior channels of the housingsassociated with a given hub. Also, each of the elastic links may bedimensioned and configured to have one of the opposite ends disposed atleast partially within the interior chamber of an associated hub. Assuch, each of the elastic links extend along the length of acorresponding interior channel and outwardly from an outer open endthereof. Accordingly, each of the opposite ends of each elastic link mayinclude an attachment member cooperatively dimensioned, configured andstructured with the aforementioned connector structure. Thecorrespondingly positioned one of the attachment members is disposedwithin the interior chamber of the corresponding hub. The cooperativestructuring between the attachment members of each of the elastic linksand that of the connector structure facilitates a retaining connectionof each of the elastic links into respective ones of the interiorchannels.

Additional structural and operative features of one or more preferredembodiments of the assembly of the present invention may also include aremovable disposition of the connector structure within the interiorchamber. Therefore, each of the corresponding elastic links connected tothe removable connector structure may be defined as being “removablyretained” within individual ones of the interior channels. Thisremovable retention further facilitates the structure and cooperativeuse of the plurality of hubs as well as their interconnection to oneanother, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter. Also, the provisionof attachment members on or integrated with each of the opposite ends ofeach of the plurality of elastic links allows either end of the elasticlinks to be disposed in a retained relation within any of the interiorchannels of any of the plurality of housings of any of the plurality ofcooperatively structured hubs.

The plurality of elastic links may be structured in the form ofgenerally elongated elastic members such as, but not limited to, a coilspring or other spring structure, an elastic cord, elastic tendon, etc.Regardless of their specific form, the elastic links are structured tobe both elastic and flexible and include an inherent bias. Such inherentbias facilitates the tendency of the elastic link to return from anelastically expanded or flexibly deformed orientation, when force ortension is applied thereto, back into an original or initialorientation, when the applied force or tension is reduced or removed.Such inherent bias will further facilitate an enhanced versatility ofthe assembly and the adaptability of the resulting or formed structureto conform to different geometric characteristics such as, but notlimited to, shapes, sizes, etc. of a device, object, etc. with which thestructure is used.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also directed to anassembly structured to assume a variably configured structure andincludes a plurality of hubs each comprising a housing. Similarly, thehousings of this additional embodiment include an interior chamber and aplurality of channels formed therein. Each of the channels include anopen inner end and an open outer end, wherein the open inner end of eachchannel is disposed in communicating relation with the interior chamber.In addition, a plurality of elastic links are each disposed in adifferent one of the plurality of channels. A connector is disposedwithin the interior chamber in removably locked attachment with eachhousing. Further the connector is disposed in interconnecting relationwith inner ends of the plurality of elastic links of a common one ofsaid housings.

At least one distinguishing feature of this additional preferredembodiment includes each of the plurality of hubs comprising a singlehousing having a one-piece, integral construction. This of coursediffers from an initially described embodiment of the present invention,wherein each hub comprises plurality of housings connected to anddefining a common hub. Further, the plurality of housings of a commonhub extend radially outward from a base or body of the common hub andmay vary in number. Also, the plurality of housings associated with acommon hub are interconnected at inner or proximal ends to one anotherin adjacent and/or contiguous relation. Additional distinguishingfeatures include each of the aforementioned plurality of elastic linksdisposed within different ones of the plurality of housings associatedwith a common hub. The additional preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises the plurality of hubs structured to includedifferent exterior configurations such as, but not limited to aspherical exterior configuration and a multi-sided exteriorconfiguration.

With further regard to the additional embodiment of the presentinvention, the single housing of each or at least a majority of theplurality of hubs includes a connector passage extending at leastpartially therethrough in communicating relation with the interiorchamber. A connector associated with each of the different singlehousings is disposed within the connector passage in removably lockedattachment with the housing and concurrently in interconnecting relationwith each of the plurality of elastic links disposed within thedifferent plurality of channels.

Each of the aforementioned connectors of the additional preferredembodiment is structured to include opposite ends normally configured torestrict passage thereof into and along the length of the connectorpassage in which they are disposed. More specifically, one of theopposite ends of the connector includes a flexible segment normallybiased into the removably locked attachment with the correspondinghousing. Moreover, the flexible segment may be selectively disposable,through utilization of a release tool, instrument, etc. into a releasedorientation. When in the released orientation, the flexible segmentassumes a reduced transverse dimension, which is at least minimallysmaller than that of the connector passage. As a result, the connectorwill have a sufficiently transverse dimension to pass through and alongthe length of the connector passage to facilitate removal thereof and/orout of concurrent interconnecting relation with the innermost ends ofthe elastic links disposed within the interior chamber of a commonhousing.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, in each of theembodiments of the present invention a predetermined number of theplurality of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to oneanother to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. Thesize and configuration of each of such array of hubs may vary dependenton the number of hubs being interconnected to form and/or define a giveninterconnected array of hubs. In addition, a plurality of the closed,continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnectedrelation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of thecustomizable, variably configured structures.

It will be further noted that the versatile structural and operationalfeatures of each of the plurality of hubs and each of the plurality ofelastic links significantly facilitate the interconnection of theplurality of hubs to one another to form the closed, continuouslyconfigured array of hubs. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links areused to define the interconnection of the plurality of hub arrays to oneanother, to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable,variably configured structures.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective detailed view of one preferred embodiment of ahub component of the assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in exploded form of the embodiment of thehub component as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of hub components connectedto one another to define one or more closed, continuous arrays of hubs.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible, multi-hub componentgeometric structure comprised of a plurality of closed, continuouslyconfigured array of hubs, disposed in interconnected relation to oneanother.

FIG. 6A is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuousarrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal arrangement, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuousarrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal and pentagonal arrangement,according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuousarrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal, pentagonal, and heptagonalarrangement, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a section view of a plurality of hub components in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of theassembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed schematic view of one hub and associated housing ofthe embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are detail views in schematic form of a connectorassociated with the hub and housing of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exterior schematic representation of one or more hubarrays utilizing a plurality of hubs similar to but distinguishable fromthe embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an interior schematic representation of the embodiment ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of oneof a possible plurality of hub arrays.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of an exterior of yet anotherembodiment of one of a possible plurality of hub arrays.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which illustrative embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As represented in the accompanying FIGS. 1-7, the present invention isdirected to an assembly and/or system structured to form any one of apossible plurality of customizable, variably configured structures 200capable of defining a variety of different objects, devices, structuresand/or goods such as, but not limited to, jewelry pieces, buildingstructures and other different fields of art. The customizable, variablyconfigured structure 200 comprises a plurality of interconnected hubcomponents 10 cooperatively structured with and interconnected by aplurality of elastic links 16.

More specifically, at least one but more practically a plurality ormajority of the hub components or “hubs” 10 each include an interiorchamber 40 and a plurality of housings 12. The housings 12 may vary innumber and extend radially outward from interconnected inner or proximalends 12, at least partially defining a base or body 11, of a common hub10 in spaced relation to one another, as clearly represented in at leastFIGS. 1 and 3. In addition, the represented hub 10 is at least partiallydefined by the corresponding plurality of housings 12 each havingoppositely disposed open distal and proximal ends 17 and 17′respectively. As also represented in the accompanying Figures, the openinner or proximal ends 17′ communicate directly with the interiorchamber 40, which in turn is at least partially defined by theinterconnected inner or proximal ends 12′ of the corresponding pluralityof housings 12.

Further, each of the housings 12 include an open interior channel 15communicating with the oppositely disposed open ends 17 and 17′. Asindicated, an open inner end 17′ of each of the plurality of interiorchannels 15 of the housings 12 of a common hub 10 is disposed in directcommunicating relation with the interior chamber 40 thereof. Asdescribed in greater detail hereinafter, a connector structure 20 may bedisposed on each of the plurality of hubs 10, at least partially withinthe interior chamber 40. More specifically, the connector structure 20may be removably inserted into the interior chamber 40 by passingthrough an access opening or aperture 14.

In addition, a plurality of elastic links 16 are associated with each ofthe plurality of hubs 10. Further, the plurality of elastic links 16 fora given hub 10 are equal in number to the number of housings 12 and areoperatively and at least partially movable within the interior channels15 of that hub 10. Further, each of the plurality of elastic links 16includes opposite ends 16′, as represented in at least FIGS. 3 and 7. Asset forth herein, each elastic link 16 is disposed and retained within adifferent one of the interior channels 15 of the housings 12, whereinone opposite end 16′ is at least partially disposed within and/orcommunicates with the interior chamber 40 of an associated hub 10 viathe open end 17′ of the corresponding housing 12. In addition, each ofthe opposite ends 16′ of each elastic link 16 may include an attachmentmember 18 cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured with theaforementioned connector structure 20 to facilitate connectiontherebetween. Moreover, each of the attachment members 18 are preferablyintegrated in and thereby at least partially define a corresponding end16′ of the respective elastic links 16. As such, correspondinglypositioned inner ones of the attachment members 18 are also disposedwithin the interior chamber 40 of the corresponding hub 10, so as tofacilitate attachment to the connector structure 20. The cooperativestructuring between the attachment members 18 of each elastic links 16and that of the connector structure 20 facilitates a retainingconnection of each elastic links 16 into associated ones of the interiorchambers 40. Further, to facilitate interconnection of the attachmentmembers 18 with the connector structure 20, the attachment members 18may be structured to include or at least partially define a hook orloop-like configuration. Such hook or loop-like configuration iscooperatively dimensioned and configured with the connector structure 20so as to at least partially surround the connector structure 20 asrepresented throughout the Figures. Such a configuration is depictedthroughout the Figures, and specifically in FIG. 7, showing a sectionview of two hubs 10 adjoined with a common elastic link 16″, viaconnector structures 20, each disposed through attachment members 18disposed on opposite ends of the common elastic link 16″.

Additional structural and operative features of one or more preferredembodiments of the assembly of the present invention may also include aremovable disposition of the connector structure 20 within the interiorchamber 40, such as by being removably disposed within the accessopening or aperture 14. Therefore, each of the corresponding elasticlinks 16 connected to the removable connector structure 20 may be“removably retained” within individual ones of the interior channels 15.This removable retention further facilitates the structure andcooperative use of the plurality of hubs 10 as well as theirinterconnection to one another, as set forth in greater detailhereinafter. Also, the provision of attachment members 18 on orintegrated with each of the opposite ends 16′ of each of the pluralityof elastic links 16 allows either end 16′ and corresponding ones of theattachment members 18 of the elastic links 16 to be disposed in aretained relation within any of the interior channels 15 of any of theplurality of housings 12 of any of the plurality of cooperativelystructured hubs 10.

The plurality of elastic links 16 may be utilized in the form ofgenerally elongated elastic members or structures such as, but notlimited to, coil springs or other spring structures, elastic cords,elastic tendons, etc. Regardless of their specific form, the elasticlinks 16 are structured to be both elastic and flexible and include aninherent bias. Such inherent bias facilitates the tendency of theelastic link 16 to return from an elastically expanded or flexiblydeformed orientation, when force or tension is applied thereto, backinto an original or initial orientation, when the applied force ortension is reduced or removed. Such an original or initial orientationis represented in at least FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, the inherent bias ofthe elastic links 16 will facilitate an enhanced versatility of theassembly and the adaptability of the resulting or formed structure 200to conform to different shapes, sizes, etc. of a device, object, etc.with which the structure 200 is used.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, a predeterminednumber of the plurality of hubs 10 may be disposed in interconnectedrelation to one another to define a closed, continuously configuredarray 100 of hubs 10 as clearly represented in FIG. 4. The size andconfiguration of each array 100 of hubs 10 may vary dependent on thenumber of hubs 10 being interconnected to form and/or define a giveninterconnected array 100. More specifically, each of the hub arrays 100represented in FIG. 4 include six interconnected hubs 10, therebydefining a hub array 100 having six sides. However, other closedcontinuous arrays of hubs 100 may include a different, predeterminednumber of hubs 10 being interconnected to one another in a closed,continuously configured array 100. By way of example only, if four hubs10 were interconnected to one another in a closed, continuouslyconfigured array, the number of sides of such an array would be four innumber. Similarly, and further by way of example, if three of the hubs10 were interconnected to one another in a closed, continuouslyconfigured array, the number of sides of the closed, continuouslyconfigured array would be three in number. Accordingly, thepredetermined number of hubs 10 in each of the closed, continuouslyconfigured arrays 100 is determinative of a possible plurality ofdifferent configurations of said closed, continuously configured array100, as also explained hereinafter in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.

By way of further example and as represented in FIG. 5, a plurality ofthe closed, continuously configured arrays 100 of hubs 10 may bedisposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of apossible plurality of the customizable, variably configured structures200. As represented, the structure 200 includes an overall annular,circular, torus, toroidal, etc. configuration made up of the pluralityof interconnected arrays 100 of hubs 10. Moreover, in the forming therepresented configuration of the structure 200, at least some of theplurality of interconnected arrays 100 have a different number of hubs10. As such, ten of the arrays 100 include a heptagonal configurationand another ten arrays 100 include a pentagonal configuration, in orderto produce the correct surface curvature of the structure 200. However,it is emphasized that the substantially annular configuration of thestructure 200 of FIG. 5 is representative only of a larger number ofpossible configurations of the structure 200 which may or may not be“continuous” or “closed”. Further by way of example, the structure 200of FIG. 5 may be representative of a piece of jewelry such as abracelet, necklace, etc. It is again emphasized that the assembly of thepresent invention may be used to form customizable, variably configuredstructures 200 having various geometric characteristics such as, but notlimited to, shapes, sizes, volume etc. It will be further noted that theversatile structural and operational features of each of the pluralityof hubs 10 and each of the plurality of elastic links 16 significantlyfacilitate the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 10 to oneanother to form the closed, continuously configured array 100 of hubs10. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links 16 are used to define theinterconnection of the plurality of hubs 10 of each hub array 100.Further, one or more of the elastic links, as at 16″ in FIGS. 4 and 7are used to interconnect different ones of the hub arrays 100 to oneanother, to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable,variably configured structures 200.

Therefore, and as represented throughout the Figures, at least one ofthe elastic links, as at 16′, connected to one of the hubs 10 of a givenhub array 100 may also be connected to one other of the plurality ofhubs 10 which may be independent of but more practically associated witha different one of the hub arrays 100. Also, the configuration of eachof the hub arrays 100 may be the same or may differ from one another inthe formation of the customizable, variably configured structure 200.

Now turning to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, schematic depictions of collectivehub arrays 100′, 100″ and 100′″ are representative of differentembodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6A depicts anembodiment wherein the collective hub array 100′ includes at least twoindividual hexagonal arrays 1000; FIG. 6B depicts an embodiment whereinthe collective hub array 100″ includes at least one individual hexagonalarray 1000 and at least one individual pentagonal array 2000; FIG. 6Cdepicts an embodiment wherein the collective hub array 100′″ includes atleast one individual hexagonal array 1000, one individual pentagonalarray 2000, and one individual heptagonal array 3000. Further variationsand combinations may be achieved, as desired, due to the flexibility ofthe elastic links 16 which are capable of accommodating a wide varietyof internal and external connection angles, regardless of the preciseshape or configuration of the hub 10. In this regard, the elastic links16 are adaptable to a user's desire or necessity and provides for theassembly of structures having complex geometric characteristics, such asa buckminsterfullerene, which requires individual hexagon arrays 1000and individual pentagons arrays 2000 that may be interconnected. Withregard to the depicted embodiments throughout the Figures, the hubs 10include a connection angle of 120 degrees, though virtually any anglemay be utilized, but if a different connection angle is desired, such as108 degrees, used in forming a pentagon, the elastic links 16accommodate such an angle.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS.8-14 and is directed to a system and assembly 300, structured to assumea variably configured structure such as, but not limited to, structure500 in FIG. 14. The assembly 300 includes a plurality of hubs 110 eachcomprising a housing 112. Similarly, the housings 112 of this additionalembodiment include an interior chamber 140 and a plurality of channels115 formed therein. Each of the channels 115 includes an open outer end117 and an open inner end 117′, wherein the open inner end 117′ of eachchannel 115 is disposed in communicating relation with the interiorchamber 140. In addition, a plurality of elastic links 116 are eachdisposed in a different one of the plurality of channels 115. Aconnector 120 is disposed within the interior chamber 140 in removablylocked attachment with each housing 112. Further the connector 120 isdisposed in interconnecting relation with inner ends 118 of theplurality of elastic links 116 of a common one of said housings 112.Accordingly, when the connector 120 is disposed through and within aconnector passage 122 of a given housing 112, it is disposed ininterconnecting relation to the inner ends 118 of the plurality ofelastic links 116 thereby maintaining elastic links 116 within theinterior of the respective passages 115 of a common one of the housings112. As discussed in greater detail hereinafter, cooperative structuraland operative features of the connector 120, housing 112 and connectorpassage 122 facilitates a removable locking engagement of the connector120 with a corresponding one of the housings 112, so as to furtherassure the elastic links 116 being maintained within the passages 115 ofa common one of the plurality of housings 112.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 8-14 have structural andoperational similarities which facilitate the assembly 300 assumingstructures 200 and 500 having variably configured geometriccharacteristics, at least one distinguishing feature therebetween is thestructural differences of the hubs 10 and the hubs 110. Morespecifically, each of the plurality of hubs 110 comprise a singlehousing 112 having a substantially one-piece, integral construction.This of course differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, wherein eachhub 10 comprises plurality of housings 12 connected to and defining acommon hub. Further, the plurality of housings 12 of a common hub 10extend radially outward from a base or body 11 of the common hub 10 andmay vary in number. Also, the plurality of housings 12 associated with acommon hub 10 are interconnected at inner or proximal ends 12′ to oneanother in adjacent and/or contiguous relation. Additionaldistinguishing features include each of the plurality of elastic links16 disposed within different ones of the plurality of housings 12associated with a common hub 10. Again, in contrast each of theplurality of channels 115 are formed to extend through a common one ofthe single housings 112.

With further regard to the additional embodiment as represented in FIGS.8-14, and as clearly represented in at least FIG. 9, the single housing112 of each or at least a majority of the plurality of hubs 110 includesthe aforementioned connector passage 122 extending therethrough incommunicating relation with the interior chamber 140. Further, theconnector 120 associated with each of the different single housings 112is disposed within the connector passage 122 in removably lockedattachment with the corresponding housing 112 and concurrently ininterconnecting relation with each of the plurality elastic links 116,as at 118, disposed within the different plurality of channels 115.Further, as represented in FIGS. 8, 9 and 14, the plurality of hubs 110may be structured to include a single housing 112 having a substantiallyspherical exterior configuration. However, as represented in FIGS.11-13, the exterior configuration of the body 112 of each of theplurality of hubs 110 may have a multi-sided configuration. It is offurther note that the exterior configurations of each of the housings112 of each of the hubs 110 may be other than the represented sphericalor multi-sided configuration.

With further regard to the connector 120 being cooperatively structuredwith each of the single housings 112 and corresponding ones of theconnector passages 122, to accomplish the removable, locking attachmentof the connector 120 with the corresponding housing 112, reference ismade to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B. More specifically, each of the connectors120 is structured to include opposite ends 123 and 124 each beingnormally configured to restrict passage thereof into and along thelength of the connector passage 120. One of the opposite ends of theconnector 120 includes or is at least partially defined by a flexiblesegment 123. The flexible segment 123 is normally biased into anexpanded orientation and into the removably locked attachment with thecorresponding housing 112, as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10A. As such,the flexible segment 123 may include a bifurcated construction includingflexible members 123′ being separated by a space 125 extendingtherebetween and along the length of the flexible members 123′.

Therefore, the flexible members 123′ may be selectively positioned,through utilization of a release tool, instrument, etc. 127, from theexpanded orientation as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10A, into a releasedorientation, as represented in FIG. 10B. When in the releasedorientation of FIG. 10B, the flexible segment 123, specificallyincluding the extremities 123″ thereof, assumes a reduced transversedimension, which is at least minimally smaller and or substantiallyequal to that of the connector passage 120. As a result, the flexiblesegment 123 and a majority of the length of the connector 120 will havea sufficiently reduced transverse dimension to allow the flexiblesegment 123 to pass into, through and along the length of the connectorpassage 120, as represented by directional arrows in FIG. 10B, tofacilitate removal thereof out of the connector passage 120 and/or outof concurrent interconnecting relation with the innermost ends 118 ofthe elastic links 116 disposed within the interior chamber 140 of acommon housing 112. As clearly indicated, the opposite end 124 of theconnector 120 also has an enlarged transverse dimension which is greaterthan the transverse dimension of the connector passage 122. Therefore,when the flexible segment 123 is in its expanded orientation asrepresented in FIGS. 9 and 10A, the connector 120 will be in theaforementioned removably locked attachment with the correspondinghousing 112, due to the fact that neither end 123 and/or 124, due totheir enlarged transverse dimension, can pass into and through theconnector passage 122.

The utilization of a release tool 127 is facilitated by the outerextremity 123″ of each of the flexible members 123′ being slanted,angled, chamfered or otherwise configured to be gripped or at leastpartially enclosed by the release tool 127. As represented in FIG. 10Bthe release tool 127 is concurrently disposed on and substantiallyencloses the extremities 123″, thereby forcing the flexible segment 123into the released orientation, having the aforementioned reducedtransverse dimension. Once so disposed, the entirety of the flexiblesegment 123 along with a remainder of the connector 120 can be forcedinto and along the length of the connector passage 122 and thereby beremoved from the connector passage 122 and/or its interconnectingrelation with the ends 118 of the elastic links 116. Further, the end ofthe connector passage 122 in alignment with the extremities or ends 123″of the flexible segment 123 also has an outwardly flared configurationor other appropriate configuration which facilitates the release tool127 having access to the extremities 123″.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, in each of theembodiments of the present invention a predetermined number of theplurality of hubs 110 may be disposed in interconnected relation to oneanother to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs 400,as represented in FIGS. 8 and 11-13. The size and configuration of eachof such array of hubs may vary dependent on the number of hubs 110 beinginterconnected to form and/or define a given interconnected array ofhubs 400. In addition, a plurality of the closed, continuouslyconfigured array of hubs 400 may be disposed in interconnected relationto one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizablestructures 500 having variable geometric characteristics, as representedin FIG. 14. As also represented, the plurality of hubs 110 andcorresponding housings 112 of a given array 400 may include a sphericalexterior configuration as represented in FIGS. 8 and 14 or a multi-sidedconfiguration as represented in FIGS. 11-13, or other appropriateconfiguration dependent on the practical application of the assembly300.

It will be further noted that the versatile structural and operationalfeatures of each of the plurality of hubs 110 and each of the pluralityof elastic links 116 significantly facilitate the interconnection of theplurality of hubs 110 to one another to form the closed, continuouslyconfigured arrays 400. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links 116 areused to define the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 110 of eachhub array 400. Further, one or more of the elastic links, as at 116′represented in FIGS. 8, 12 and 13, are used to interconnect differentones of the hubs 110 and/or hub arrays 400 to one another, to form anyone of a possible plurality of structures 500 having customizable,variably configured geometric characteristics.

Therefore, and as represented throughout the FIGS. 8-13, at least one ofthe elastic links, as at 116′, connected to one of the hubs 110 of agiven hub array 400 may also be connected to one other of the pluralityof hubs 110 which may be independent of or associated with a differentone of the hub arrays 400. Also, the configuration of each of the hubarrays 400 may be the same or may differ from one another in theformation of the customizable, variably configured structure 500.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly structured to assume a variablyconfigured structure, said assembly comprising: a plurality of hubs eachcomprising a housing, said housing including an interior chamber and aplurality of channels formed therein, each of said channels including anopen inner end and an open outer end, said open inner end of each ofsaid plurality of channels disposed in communicating relation with saidinterior chamber, a plurality of elastic links each disposed in adifferent one of said plurality of channels, a connector disposed withinsaid interior chamber in removably locked attachment with said housing,and said connector further disposed in interconnecting relation withinner ends of said plurality of elastic links of a common one of saidhousings.
 2. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each of saidplurality of hubs comprises a single housing having a one-piece,integral construction.
 3. The assembly as recited in claim 2 whereinsaid single housing comprises a substantially spherical exteriorconfiguration.
 4. The assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said singlehousing comprises a multi-sided exterior surface configuration.
 5. Theassembly is recited in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a connectorpassage extending at least partially therethrough in communicatingrelation with said interior chamber; said connector disposed within saidconnector passage, in said removably locked attachment with saidhousing.
 6. The assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said connectorincludes opposite ends each normally configured to restrict passagethereof into and along a length of said connector passage.
 7. Theassembly as recited in claim 6 wherein one of said opposite endsincludes a flexible segment normally biased into said removably lockedattachment with said housing.
 8. The assembly as recited in claim 7wherein said flexible segment is selectively disposable in a releasedorientation; said released orientation comprising a reduced transversedimension of said one opposite end sufficient to pass within and along alength of said connector passage.
 9. The assembly as recited in claim 7wherein said flexible segment is at least partially disposed within saidconnector passage, in an accessible relation to a correspondinglydisposed open end of said connector passage.
 10. The assembly as recitedin claim 9 further comprising a release tool dimensioned and configuredto engage and dispose said flexible segment into said releaseorientation.
 11. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at leastsome of said elastic links comprises a flexible, elastic member.
 12. Anassembly structured to assume a variably configured structure, saidassembly comprising: a plurality of hub arrays having a closed,continuous configuration, at least a majority of said plurality of hubarrays comprising a plurality of hubs interconnected to one another insaid closed, continuous configuration by a plurality of elastic links,at least a majority of said plurality of hubs comprising a singlehousing having a one-piece, integral construction, each of said singlehousings including an interior chamber and a plurality of channelsformed therein, said plurality of channels of a common one of saidsingle housings including an inner open end disposed in communicatingrelation with said interior chamber, said plurality of elastic linksdisposed within different ones of said plurality of channels andincluding one end of each of said elastic links of a common one of saidsingle housings disposed within said interior chamber of said common oneof said single housings, a connector passage formed within said each ofsaid single housings and a connector concurrently disposed within saidconnector passage and said interior chamber in removably lockedattachment with said single housing and in interconnecting relation withsaid elastic links disposed within a common one of said single housings,and adjacently disposed hubs of a common one of said plurality of hubarrays interconnected by one of said plurality of elastic links commonto said adjacently disposed hubs.
 13. The assembly as recited in claim12 wherein said connector includes a flexible segment formed on one endthereof, said the flexible segment normally biased into said removablylocked attachment with said housing.
 14. The assembly as recited inclaim 13 wherein said flexible segment is selectively disposable in areleased orientation; said released orientation comprising a reducedtransverse dimension of said flexible segment, sufficient to pass withinand along a length of said connector passage.
 15. The assembly asrecited in claim 13 wherein said flexible segment is at least partiallydisposed within said connector passage, in an accessible relation to acorrespondingly disposed open end of said connector passage.
 16. Theassembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising a release tooldimensioned and configured to engage and dispose said flexible segmentinto said released orientation.
 17. The assembly as recited in claim 12wherein at least some of said elastic links comprises a flexible,elastic tendon.
 18. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein saidplurality of hubs defining a common one of said plurality of hub arraysvary in number.
 19. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein saidsingle housing comprises a substantially spherical exteriorconfiguration.
 20. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein saidsingle housing comprises a multi-sided exterior surface configuration.